A.A. Milne wrote, “Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most insightful, and this quote certainly applies to freezer cooking because it isn't something that just happens; you get the best results when you plan and are prepared for cooking. A little time spent getting organized and planning your meals is time well spent.

Stocking Your Pantry

A well-stocked pantry is one that contains basic ingredients regularly used. Here are some basic suggestions:

• Baking supplies such as flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, yeast, vegetable shortening, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips.

• Staples such as rice, dried pastas and beans, canned beans, herbs and spices, mushrooms, canned tomatoes, chicken and beef stock, wines, bread crumbs, and cooking spray.

• Condiments such as ketchup, honey, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and soy sauce.

Kitchen Essentials

Like most jobs, freezer cooking is easier when you have the right tools. It is not necessary to have all the tools listed, but you benefit from having as many as possible.

• Utensils: measuring spoons, dry measuring cups, wet measuring cups, can opener, garlic press, spatula, tongs, cutting board, slotted spoons, colander, meat thermometer, whisk, zester, rolling pin, wooden spoons, rubber spatula, and a variety of knives.

• Dishes, pots and pans: mixing bowls, baking dishes, small and large skillets, sauté pans, sauce pans, baking sheets, loaf pans, muffin tins, rectangular and square baking pans, and a large stockpot.

• Electrical appliances: hand mixer, food processor, standing mixer, slow cooker, and a microwave oven.

• Freezing supplies: freezer bags (quart and gallon sized), wax paper, plastic wrap, heavy-duty aluminum foil, and a variety of containers made specifically for food storage in the freezer.

Meal Planning

Before you begin to freezer cook, plan which meals you want to cook according to what your family likes. If you are on a tight budget, choose recipes that contain common ingredients you will use in other recipes. There's no sense in buying a $10.00 bottle of a rare spice that is only used one time. Once you have a list of meals, decide how you are going to tackle freezer cooking. Review the methods found in this chapter, and select what is right for you.

Grocery Shopping

Nothing is worse than getting halfway through a recipe only to find you are missing a key ingredient, so an accurate grocery list can be the difference between success and failure in your freezer cooking. Go through each recipe and write down the items and quantities you need to buy. Check your list against what's in your pantry to ensure you are not buying items you already have.

Do not forget to add quart- and gallon-sized freezer bags, aluminum foil, freezer wrap, and any disposable freezer containers you want to use for freezing. Another shopping preparation option reverses the process — refer to your coupons and store sale flyers and plan meals around which ingredients are on sale. Or plan meals according to what you have stockpiled.

Freezer Inventory List

When you begin freezer cooking, start an inventory list and add to it as you freeze. A freezer inventory list is a list of everything you have in your freezer, and the date it was frozen. This list allows you to quickly see which freezer meals you have. Because you have a date next to each item, you can keep track of meals that need to be eaten first. A simple way to make a freezer inventory list is to hang a white board on the freezer and attach a marker with string. It is easy to erase meals as you take them out of the freezer.